Florida drivers are feeling it again. The state’s average gas price settled at $4.30 a gallon on Sunday after a 21-cent jump last week, and it did not stop there. Prices are 15 cents higher than a week ago, 35 cents above a month ago, and $1.16 more than this time last year. For a 15-gallon tank, that’s about $65 at the pump, roughly $6 more than a month ago and nearly $20 more than last September.
The reason sits upstream. Crude oil climbed as much as 27% over three weeks and closed at $105.83 a barrel on Tuesday, the highest daily settlement since May. AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins says oil accounts for about half the price of gasoline, so higher crude costs work their way to stations nationwide. Around the Suncoast, that shows up in every commute, grocery run, and beach trip.
Where you fill up still matters. West Palm Beach-Boca Raton is the priciest metro in Florida at $4.45, while Panama City is the cheapest at $4.04. If you’re planning a road trip across the state, a little fuel-stop strategy can save real money.
How is the price at your local station comparing to the state average? Let us know on our Facebook page.
